How long have roller coasters been around for?

Roller Coasters have been around since the 17th century, with the first recorded instances appearing in Russia in the form of ice slides. However, the modern roller coaster as we know it began to take shape in the early 19th century, with the introduction of wooden coasters in the United States. The first true roller coaster, known as the "Switchback Railway," opened at Coney Island in 1884. Since then, roller coasters have evolved significantly in design and technology, becoming a staple of amusement parks worldwide.